WEST BROM want Sam Allardyce to do a firefighting job at the Hawthorns and keep them in the Premier League.

West Brom’s ambitious Chinese owners are looking to name someone who can safeguard their £170m summer investment and build for the future and Allardyce, who has been out of work since keeping Crystal Palace in the top flight last season, could be just the man.

The 63-year-old looked set to go to Everton but pulled out of the running because he did not feel their heart was set on him.

Now West Brom, who sacked Tony Pulis yesterday after three years at the helm, are on the lookout for someone with proven Premier League experience.

And Allardyce ticks all the boxes having managed a record six clubs in the top flight – Bolton, Blackburn, Sunderland, Newcastle, Palace and West Ham.

Northern Ireland manager Michael O’Neill also emerged as one of the early front runners but he is not thought to be one that appeals to the Hawthorns hierarchy.

Sam Allardyce sits with Sir Alex Ferguson at Old Trafford

Fri, October 21, 2016

Click through the gallery for the best snaps of Sam Allardyce at Old Trafford